"Abuse of a patient"

Recently a relative was in Boonah Hospital and witnessed what they felt was the abuse of an elderly patient who has had a stroke. Most of the staff that dealt with my relative are polite and helpful but on more than one occasion I witnessed what I felt was a nurse/nurses abuse this sick lady. On one occasion she was shouted at and told she needed to help by putting her weight on her weak leg. On another occasion she was put on a commode and told you can just stay there for the rest of the night until I am ready to come and get you off. I feel this is disgraceful and reminds me of the way we believed patients used to be treated in old people's homes.

Responses

Response from
West Moreton Health Service, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service 2 years agoWe are preparing to make a change

Dear Disgraceful

Firstly, let me state that concerns such as yours are something we take very seriously. We do not accept shouting or any behaviour that is disrespectful towards our patients and families, and would act quickly to correct it if we were aware of it.

I was very concerned to read your post, and have shared the issues raised with our Director of Nursing/Facility Manager at Boonah Hospital. Please be assured your concerns and the events that took place have been investigated by our senior leadership team at Boonah Hospital. We are putting measures in place to ensure this doesn’t happen to any patient, particularly those who are often more vulnerable, like the elderly.

Every patient deserves to be treated with respect and dignity and I am sorry this was not the case for your relative.

I truly hope all is now well for your loved one, and if you have any further concerns, you are welcome to contact our Consumer Liaison Officer on 3810 1111 who would be happy to assist.